Seniors Visiting

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.”

View more comments from our clients and their family members

Social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns that significantly impact the health and well-being of seniors. Social interaction has been shown to improve mood, enhance quality of life and avoid detrimental events such as falls, hospitalization and premature morbidity.
Seniors Visiting and Meal Delivery Volunteers will play a role in addressing social isolation and loneliness among seniors through social interaction. Volunteers will visit seniors in a facility setting and engage in meaningful conversation and when deemed appropriate, gentle activity such as games, puzzles, and cards.

The facility in east Toronto is a 24/7 inpatient facility supporting frail seniors at risk. All volunteers must self-screen before arriving on the unit and on entry into the unit. Volunteers must follow IPAC guidelines on hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Use of PPE will be reviewed and monitored by the unit manager.

**AREA SERVED**: East Toronto, Kingston Road/Woodbine

**RESPONSIBILTIES**
- Visit seniors weekly - same day/time for 4 hours (Weekdays; 9:30am - 1:30pm)
- Engage in meaningful conversation with seniors/residents
- Engage in simple, gentle activities when deemed appropriate such as games, puzzles, cards
- Deliver lunch to residents and retrieve meal trays on time
- Must be sensitive to clients with cognitive impairment; hearing and vision needs; clients high risk for falls
- Volunteers must follow the direction of the unit manager/supervisor in the event of an emergency or urgent clinical need that may take priority over volunteer activities
- Volunteers must report any client-related concerns or changes to the supervisor/manager onsite Volunteers must follow all health and safety procedures, emergency procedures, policies, procedures and boundaries
- Volunteers must check in and out with the unit manager or floor supervisor on arrival and before leaving
- Volunteers must commit to a regular, ongoing schedule

**TIME COMMITTMENT**
- 4 hours plus travel time per week
- Visits are weekly, on weekdays, 9:30am - 1:30pm
- Able to commit for minimum of 24 weeks

**WORKING CONDITIONS**:
Visits occur in a congregate setting with frail seniors in Toronto, East.

**SKILL REQUIREMENT**
- Related experience caring for older adults/seniors
- Strong oral communication skills
- Strong active listening skills
- Friendly and caring attitude
- Experience and sensitivity to working with culturally diverse individuals and families
- Creativity in planning and implementing gentle activities when appropriate
- Previous volunteer experience, engaging socially with seniors, an asset
- Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on the individual and family an asset
- Background in gerontology, social work, social services an asset

**BOUNDARIES**
- No personal care given to client by volunteer
- No touching or moving residents -,volunteers do not move residents from bed nor from seated position - nurses must assist clients with movement;
- No clinical work to be done by volunteers
- Keep disclosure of personal information limited; no social media engagement, no photographs etc.
- Do not accept/give items, food, gifts from/to clients
- Attend/visit facility only on assigned days/times; no engagement with clients outside of scheduled shifts

**ORIENTATION AND TRAINING**
- Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
- Orientation to facility and role provided onsite prior to beginning volunteer commitment

**SCREENING AND SUPERVISION**
- Resume
- Screening
- Interview
- 2 References
- Criminal Reference check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Signed Volunteer General Release, Agreement, Waiver (Policies); other agreements as required
- Training and orientation required
- Reports to Unit Manager, Charge Nurse or Supervisor Onsite at beginning and end of each visit
- Support and feedback provided

**BENEFITS**
- Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one suppo